Cornwall Bypass traffic woes due to rushed planning and secrecy

Cornwall
–
Traffic woes for motorists due to the Cornwall Bypass project are the
unfortunate result of rushed planning, poor communication, and needless secrecy
by Premier MacLauchlan, says Opposition Leader Jamie Fox.

“The
Cornwall Bypass project has been cloaked in secrecy since it was hastily
announced months ago. Residents, motorists, truckers, businesses and even MLA’s
have been unable to find out details from government. For some reason Premier
MacLauchlan is unwilling to communicate with the public about this project and
that’s concerning,” said Fox.

Construction
began on Phase 1 of the Cornwall Bypass project on September 6 with construction
of two roundabouts, one at Poplar Island on the North River causeway and one at
the intersection of Maypoint Road. Since then motorists have experienced lengthy
delays in both Cornwall and Charlottetown that in many cases has added an hour
or more to regular travel times. Alternate traffic routes have also experienced
higher traffic delays. Phase 1 of the project is anticipated to continue into
late November.

“In
its rush to get shovels in the ground the government chose not to listen.
Truckers warned them back in the summer that the traffic plan would have
problems.A project of this scale should have a strong traffic plan focused on
safety and efficiency that is well communicated to the public. Obviously that
didn’t happen and we’re seeing the results of that,” said Fox.

Fox
suggested that the province look at more flexible options to improve traffic
flow such as staggering two lanes of traffic to and from Cornwall during morning
and afternoon rush hour when traffic levels surge.